Emergency communicators offer HAM radio classes

GREENE COUNTY — Hurricane Harvey has once again proven the value of having a way to communicate when landline and cell phones go down or can’t handle the demand of thousands of emergency calls. Ham radio operators are helping with rescue efforts in Texas and Louisiana where the storm has overtaxed normal communication.

The Greene County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (GCARES) is offering help in obtaining an FCC amateur radio license. GCARES is offering three Amateur Radio license classes starting on Sept. 10. The classes will meet from 7-9 p.m. each Sunday through Nov. 5. A test for all classes of licenses will be given 6 p.m. Nov. 12 in the Training Room at Beavercreek Township Fire Station 61.

There is no charge for the classes and Morse Code is no longer required to obtain any amateur radio license. The classes are supported by the Bellbrook Amateur Radio Club (BARC), the Upper Valley Amateur Radio Club (UVARC) and the Xenia Weather Amateur Radio Network (XWARN) in addition to GCARES.

The entry level Technician Class course will be held in the Training Center at the Bellbrook Amateur Radio Club Clubhouse, Room 1, Sugarcreek Elementary School, 51 S. East St. in Bellbrook. No experience is required and there is no minimum age required to earn a Technician Class license.

The General Class course and the Test Session will be held in the Training Room at Beavercreek Township Fire Station 61 located at 1295 Dayton-Xenia Road just west of Orchard Lane.

The Extra Class course will be held in the Training Room at Fairborn Fire Station 2 located at 2200 Commerce Center Blvd. just south of Dayton-Yellow Springs Road.

To register for a course or for more information, please contact Henry Ruminski at W8HJR@arrl.net or by phone between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. at 937-232-9272 or come to the first class meeting.